Snowskate with sloped pillar and base

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for travel upon ice, snow, or similar low-friction inducing surface to mimic the activity of skateboarding. The present invention uses a pillar component disposed between a deck and base for the interconnection and support of the base and deck.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/788,783 entitled “SNOWSKATE WITH SLOPED PILLAR AND BASE” filed on Jan. 5, 2019 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for travel upon ice, snow, or similar low-friction inducing surface to mimic the activity of skateboarding. The present invention uses a pillar component disposed between a deck and base for the interconnection and support of the base and deck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snowskating, an adaptation of a skateboard to travel on surfaces which a snowboard is typically configured for, is commonly accepted as a hybrid between a skateboard and snowboard. A snowskate allows a rider to travel on snow, ice, or similar low-friction inducing surfaces as one would with a snowboard, but allow increased mobility and agility for performing tricks typically performed on a skateboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Existing snowskates are typically constructed in one of two configurations. A first configuration relies upon traditional skateboard construction wherein a skateboard deck is affixed to a ski having standoffs placed along a longitudinal axis of the deck between the deck and a sliding surface for interface with the snow. Such a configuration mimics the construction of a skateboard and provides an experience wherein a user controls the snowskate through the lateral rocking of the deck in order to steer the snowskate. A skateboard typically consists of a deck with two skateboard trucks (axle and wheel assemblies) attached to a bottom aspect of the deck. Such snowskates result in an apparatus wherein there is a gap between the deck and the sliding surface, and a sliding surface which flexes with the surface of the snow while the deck remains rigid. The gap between the sliding surface and the deck results in accumulation of snow. Furthermore, the gap between the sliding surface and the deck—particularly at a front or rear aspect of the snowskate—can catch on objects such as a sliding rail in a terrain park. Such catching results in the snowskate stopping abruptly while the rider is thrown from the snowskate resulting in a potentially injurious scenario.

Other existing snowskates rely on a construction which mimics snowboard use wherein the snowskate consist of a unitary body in the form of a skateboard deck which is configured with longitudinal grooves and other such features for increasing control upon the snow surface. Such snowskates result in an experience more similar to snowboarding, but with decreased turning ability. Due to a lack of offset between the deck and the sliding surface, a user's ability to rock the deck laterally in order to negotiate turns is decreased.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a snowskate apparatus having an offset between a deck and a sliding surface.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a snowskate apparatus wherein the deck and sliding surface are rigidly interconnected to each other.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a snowskate apparatus wherein the offset between the deck and sliding surface are not prone to snow accumulation.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a snowskate apparatus wherein the snowskate is not prone to catching on objects from a front or rear longitudinal aspect.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments to provide the above disclosed aspects while maintaining control similar to that of a skateboard wherein a user rocks the deck laterally to one side or another alternatively in order to initiate and negotiate turns upon a sliding surface.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the inventions contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings, and the claims provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—A perspective view of certain embodiments

FIG. 2—An exploded perspective view of certain embodiments

FIG. 3A—A longitudinal side view of certain embodiments

FIG. 3B—A cross-section view of certain embodiments

FIG. 4A—A perspective view of a pillar of certain embodiments

FIG. 4B—A bottom view of a pillar of certain embodiments

FIG. 5—An exploded perspective view of certain embodiments

FIG. 6A—A perspective view of a base of certain embodiments

FIG. 6B—A top view of a base of certain embodiments

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Referring to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 2, a snowskating apparatus 1000 comprises a deck 1100, a pillar 1200, and a base 1300. The deck 1100 is intended for a user to stand upon a top aspect 1103, the base 1300 provides a bottom aspect 1304 for gliding upon a low-friction surface, and the pillar 1200 provides support and offset between the deck 1100 and the base 1300. A top aspect 1203 of the pillar is configured to interconnect with a bottom aspect 1104 of the deck, and a bottom aspect 1204 of the pillar is configured to interconnect with a top aspect 1303 of the base. The deck 1100, pillar 1200, and base 1300 are interconnected to provide a unitary body for gliding travel upon a low-friction surface. Although embodiments shown herein surround the interconnection of three components to result in a unitary snowskating apparatus 1000, it will be appreciated that embodiments wherein one or more components are further separated into sub-assemblies, or two or more components are combined, are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The snowskating apparatus 1000 of certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 2, comprises an oblong shape wherein the deck 1100, the pillar 1200, and the base 1300—each comprise an oblong shape. The deck 1100 of certain embodiments further comprises a top aspect 1103 having a concave form.

In certain embodiments comprising a pillar 1200, seen in FIG. 3A-FIG. 3B, comprises an external longitudinal surface 1210 extending from a first distal aspect 1201 of the pillar to a second distal aspect 1201 of the pillar. The external longitudinal surface 1210 extends from a bottom aspect 1204 to a top aspect 1203 of the pillar. The external longitudinal sides 1210 of certain embodiments taper inward toward the top aspect 1203 of the pillar. In certain embodiments, a longitudinal edge surface 1305 of the base tapers inward toward the top aspect 1303 (shown in FIG. 2) of the base. It may be desired in certain embodiments for the longitudinal edge surface 1305 of the base, and the longitudinal sides 1210 of the pillar form a contiguous surface. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal edge surface 1305 of the base, and the longitudinal sides 1210 of the pillar are cross-sectionally collinear as shown in FIG. 3B.

In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 3A, a snowskating apparatus 1000 comprises a base 1300 having a first distal aspect 1301 and a second distal aspect 1301 wherein the distal aspects 1301 of the base taper upward toward the deck 1100. In certain embodiments, the distal aspects 1301 of the base are in direct contact with the bottom aspect 1104 of the deck. It will be appreciated that embodiments wherein distal aspects 1301 of the base are in near proximity, but not in direct contact, with the bottom aspect 1104 of the deck are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The pillar 1200 of certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A-FIG. 4B, comprises an internal thin-wall structure 1220 interconnected with the external longitudinal surfaces 1210 of the pillar. The internal thin-wall structure 1220, in certain embodiments, provides weight savings while maintaining a level of structural rigidity within the pillar 1200. The internal thin-wall structure 1220 of certain embodiments is characterized by thin-walls 1230 of interconnected material having negative space 1240 disposed therebetween. It will be appreciated that although embodiments shown herein comprise a particular internal thin-wall structure configuration, alternate thin-wall structure configurations are in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that alternative weight saving manufacturing methods which use thin-walled solid material having interstitial negative space—including polymeric foams, metallic foam structures, but not limited thereto—are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The pillar of certain embodiments, again referencing FIG. 4A-FIG. 4B, comprise a plurality of tubes 1250 interconnected with the internal thin-wall structure 1220. Such tubes 1250 are typically oriented substantially vertically between the upper aspect 1203 and the lower aspect 1204 of the pillar. Now referencing FIG. 5, in certain embodiments base comprises posts 1310 configured to align with the tubes 1250. The posts 1310 extend upward from a top aspect 1303 of the base. In such embodiments, it may be desired for a deck 1100 to comprise apertures 1110 extending from the top aspect 1203 to the bottom aspect 1204 of the deck, wherethrough fasteners 1400 are disposed to interconnect with the posts 1310 of the base. In certain embodiments the posts 1310 further comprise an aperture 1315 therein configured to receive a fastener 1400. The interconnection and tightening of fasteners 1400 disposed through the apertures 1110 of the deck and engaging with the posts 1310 of the base, results in the compression of the pillar 1200 between the deck 1100 and the base 1300 and assembly of the snowskating apparatus 1000 as a unitary body. Although embodiments shown herein provide a particular assembly strategy of individual parts to result in a unitary snowskating apparatus 1000, it will be appreciated that alternate assembly strategies—including adhesives, chemical bonding, ultrasonic welding, but not limited thereto—are in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Certain embodiments comprise a base 1300, as seen in FIG. 5-FIG. 6B, having a top aspect 1303 configured to interconnect with the bottom aspect 1204 of a pillar. Now referencing FIG. 6A-FIG. 6B, a pillar 1300 of certain embodiments comprises a recess 1320 configured to receive the internal thin-wall structure 1220 of a pillar. It will be appreciated that the recess 1320 of the pillar is configured to receive and interconnect with the internal thin-wall structure 1220, and external longitudinal walls 1210 of the pillar.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A snowskating apparatus comprising: a deck comprising an oblong shape having a bottom aspect and a top aspect; a pillar comprising an oblong shape having a top aspect, the top aspect configured to interconnect with the bottom aspect of the deck; the pillar further comprising an external longitudinal surface, the external longitudinal surface of the pillar tapering inward from a bottom aspect of the pillar toward the top aspect of the pillar; and a base having a top aspect configured to interconnect with the bottom aspect of the pillar, wherein the pillar is disposed between the deck and the base when the snowskating apparatus is assembled.
 2. The snowskating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a first distal aspect and a second distal aspect; and the distal aspects of the base taper upward.
 3. The snowskating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a longitudinal edge surface that is substantially contiguous with the longitudinal surface of the pillar.
 4. The snowskating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pillar further comprises at least one tube extending from a bottom aspect of the pillar to the top aspect of the pillar.
 5. The snowskating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pillar further comprises a plurality of tubes extending from a bottom aspect of the pillar to the top aspect of the pillar.
 6. The snowskating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of posts interconnected to the top aspect of the base, the posts extending away from the base; and the posts configured to align with and insert into the tubes of the pillar.
 7. The snowskating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the deck further comprises apertures extending from the top aspect of the deck to the bottom aspect of the deck, the apertures configured to align with the posts of the base, wherein the snowskating apparatus is assembled using fasteners disposed through the apertures of the deck and interconnected with the posts of the base, thereby assembling the pillar between the base and the deck.
 8. The snowskating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pillar further comprises an internal thin-wall structure, the internal thin-wall structure interconnected with sidewalls of the pillar, and the internal thin-wall structure interconnected with the plurality of tubes.
 9. The snowskating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the internal thin-wall structure of the pillar extends between the top aspect of the pillar and the bottom aspect of the pillar.
 10. The snowskating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the top aspect of the base further comprises a recess configured to receive, and interconnect with the internal thin-wall structure of the pillar.
 11. The snowskating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pillar further comprises an internal thin-wall structure, the internal thin-wall structure interconnected with sidewalls of the pillar; and the pillar further comprising negative space disposed between the ribs of the internal thin-wall structure.
 12. The snowskating apparatus of claim 11, wherein the top aspect of the base further comprises a recess configured to receive, and interconnect with the internal thin-wall structure of the pillar, and wherein the posts are configured to pass through the internal thin-wall structure of the pillar.
 13. The snowskating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the deck further comprises apertures extending from the top aspect of the deck to the bottom aspect of the deck, the apertures configured to align with the posts of the base, wherein the snowskating apparatus is assembled using fasteners disposed through the apertures of the deck and into the posts of the base, thereby compressing the pillar between the base and the deck.
 14. The snowskating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pillar further comprises tubes configured to receive the posts of the base therethrough.
 15. A snowskating apparatus comprising: a deck comprising an oblong shape having a top aspect, a bottom aspect, and thickness of about 12.7 mm (0.5 in); a pillar comprising an oblong shape having a top aspect, the top aspect configured to interconnect with the bottom aspect of the deck, and the pillar further comprising an external longitudinal surface; the external longitudinal surface of the pillar tapering inward from a bottom aspect of the pillar toward the top aspect of the pillar; the pillar further comprising an internal thin-wall structure with a plurality of tubes interconnected thereto, the tubes passing substantially vertically between the top aspect of the pillar and the bottom aspect of the pillar; a base having a top aspect configured to interconnect with the bottom aspect of the pillar, the top aspect comprising a recess configured to receive, and interconnect with the internal thin-wall structure of the pillar; the base further comprising a plurality of posts extending substantially vertically away from the top aspect of the base, the posts configured to align with, and pass through the tubes of the pillar; the base further comprising a first distal aspect and a second distal aspect, the distal aspects of the base taper distally toward the bottom aspect of the deck; the base further comprising a longitudinal edge surface that is substantially contiguous with the longitudinal surface of the pillar; and wherein the snowskating apparatus is assembled using fasteners disposed through the apertures of the deck and into the posts of the base, thereby compressing the pillar between the base and the deck. 